Stevie Smith wins US Grand Prix rd#1 at Port Angeles. Aaron Gwin 2nd, Mick Hannah 3rd, Josh Bryceland 4th, Neko Mulally 5th.
Jill Kinter won the Elite womens race from Miranda Miller and Holly Feniak.
The track looks rough and gnarly and the crowds look insane!
Brendan Fairclough doubled a huck and took a digger into a tree, bashing his shoulder, hopefully no serious damage done.
DirtTV’s Rob Parkin filmed the event and somehow managed to find time to race it too, bagging a great 19th in the senior men category!
Full results over at www.usacycling.org
http://mpora.com/videos/se6t965j5
Devinci Global Racing’s Steve Smith has ridden to his first win of the 2012 season at round #1 of the US Grand Prix, solidifying his 1st place qualifier. Junior shredder Mark Wallace rode his 1007 plate number to an impressive 10th place in his first pro race in a stacked field.
“This great result comes at a great time; less than a month before we head to Europe for the next World Cup event. This is the first reward for all the work Steve put in this offseason and is a great confidence booster, I am fired up.”- Gabe Fox, Team Manager.
Photo:Colin Meagher
The opening round of the US Grand Prix drew an impressive International field due to it close scheduling to the Sea Otter Classic held the previous weekend in California. With the two-month break between rounds of the World Cup the event lived up to all expectations. Saturday’s qualifier saw the top ten of the World Cup worthy field cram into six seconds with Steve qualifying first ahead of Josh Bryceland of the UK.
Race day saw riders exchange places until 6th place qualifier and 2011 World Cup Overall winner Aaron Gwinn set the first podium worthy time. He remained in the hot seat until the last rider of the day; Stevie crossed the line besting his time by close to two seconds.
“The track was amazing, the dirt was insanely grippy and you couldn’t go too fast. The Wilson felt like it was on rails; it was great to get a win. I was a little nervous after qualifying first, but happy to back it up.”- Steve Smith